The first two weeks of parenthood can also mean the first two
weeks of grandparenthood. And auntiehood. And unclehood. And Godparenthood.
Everything is new new new for parents and eager friends and family members. So begins the rush of incessant calls, surprise
visits, and constant monitoring of the new family’s every move as if the baby is here for a
limited time only and that date is about to expire.

While the
experience might be all excitement and smiles for many taking on these new
roles, it’s likely to bring on anxiety for a new mother in the throes of recovering after giving birth.

The rush along with a new mother's surge of hormones that can bring on volatile waves of emotions -- magnified, of course, by the lack of sleep -- can make some mothers feel like they’re losing
control.

To all those who
mean well, us new mommies love you. We need you. We know you’re excited. But
here’s what we really need you to understand:

Every time I hear about how the countdown is on for the royal baby, I get flashbacks of my own final few days of pregnancy. They don't included the gorgeous Alexander McQueen coat I too donned (because I didn't), nor do they include being waited on swollen hand and foot in a palace (well, it depends on what you call a palace, I guess).

Confession: Even sounding out the words “baby” and “number” and “two” in one breath right now scares me a little. No. A lot.

But a recent study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that as many as one-third of babies that follow are conceived within 18 months of a previous birth. The chances are higher if a woman is between the ages of 15 to 19 or older than 30, or if she was married when the previous child was conceived. And in many cases, the subsequent pregnancy is intended.

From a health perspective, a pregnancy interval of 18 months or less is considered short, and in some cases, can be risky. Short intervals between pregnancies increase the chances of preeclampsia, premature births, and a lower birth weight for the baby.

About the author

Lara Salahi is an award-winning multimedia journalist whose specialty is reporting health and medical stories. She has worked in local, network, and cable television, international print, and documentary film. She
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